WestJet Cargo took delivery of the first of four Boeing Converted Freighters (B737-800BCF) via lease from BBAM Limited Partnership (BBAM). WestJet Cargo is the first operator in Canada to operate the B737-800BCF and the second airline in the country with a Boeing 737-800 freighter.
WestJet is entering a Canadian air cargo market dominated by Cargojet (TSX: CJT) and in which Air Canada (OTCUS: ACDVF) is also expanding, but both those carriers operate in a slightly different niche with larger freighters.
«The delivery of our first freighter to our home base in Calgary, Alberta, gives us great confidence in the growth and development of our commercial cargo service and I am eager to see our new dedicated service take off as we begin to provide competitive services to cargo customers across Canada,» said Alexis von Hoensbroech, CEO of WestJet.
Cargo conversions involve extensive engineering and manufacturing capability to ensure structural integrity and safety that will pass muster with regulators. T
The B737-800SF offers a main deck payload of up to 52,700 pounds (23,900 kgs) and features eleven positions for 88″ x 125″ containers. The conversion also incorporates new floor beams at the rear of the wing box and an 86″ x 137″ cargo door. In addition, AEI’s B737-800SF includes an Ancra cargo system, a 9G rigid barrier, five seats, a galley and a full lavatory.
Growth + Change = Opportunity!